The second annual StringFest will provide the perfect stage for our state's fine timber sector that is renowned for producing some of the world's best instruments.
The unique festival brings together instrument makers, tone-wood suppliers, musicians and groups for concerts, workshops, jam sessions and a stringed instrument expo.
Alaskan born musician Daniel Brauchli will be among many musicians and artisans at the festival who will take to the stage with instruments crafted from Tasmanian timbers.
Daniel, who has called Tasmania home for almost three decades now, uses our beautiful speciality timbers to craft guitars and mandolins.
We want to ensure craftsmen like Daniel can continue to create instruments from Tasmanian timbers, which is why we are committed to rebuilding the forest industry.
Daniel will be joined by several local luthiers others who have travelled from Brisbane, Western Australia, Canberra, Victoria and even as far as Ireland for the event.
More than 30 concerts and street performances are scheduled across the two day festival at Deloraine, which runs from March 20 to 22.
The Liberal Government is proud to support StringFest, which attracted more than 2,000 visitors last year, with a $5,700 grant provided through Events Tasmania.
Today, I was delighted to launch the new StringFest Centre in Deloraine funded by local businessman Denis Durham, which will go a long way to promoting this unique event.
The centre will also provide a valuable hub for visitors and musicians to meet and hold workshops from now until the festival concludes.
I congratulate the StringFest organisers, volunteers and Artistic Director Nick Weare for putting together a fantastic program.